They scored a fine opening try early on and, winning quality ball as opposed to the opposition’s slow possession, they had opportunities to have settled the issue well before half-time. As it was, they actually changed round one point be-hind, and, although retaking the lead at 11-6, they could not score an all-important second try, which would have given them the victory. Vandals were more than a match for Petersfield’s forwards and this showed early as they drove purposefully forward from a line out. Full-back Dewett came into the line from ruck ball and his break led to quick ball being transferred to flanker John Cottam and his speed and strength took him to the try line. This was a great start for Vandals but they let Petersfield back into the game when they conceded a penalty. The next period of play was dominated by Vandals as they won plenty of phase ball to set up attacking moves, but they were consistently penalised in try-scoring situations. A great opportunity went begging after Dewett had put Cottam in space and his run opened up the defence, but his pass to an outside player was knocked on. Vandals were dominating so much it seemed only a matter of time before they scored again but Petersfield survived, and, in a rare sortie into Vandals’ half, they were awarded a second penalty on the stroke of half-time to go into a slender one-point lead. Determined to make their dominance pay, Vandals tore into Petersfield at the start of the second half and, after a lovely break by centre Jacob Sines, a penalty was awarded for preventing release and Clark coolly slotted over the kick. He did the same a few minutes later as Vandals’ pressure forced Petersfield into conceding second penalty. Winning some quick ball Vandals had opportunities to score a second vital try but poor passing on wrong lines of running did not help their cause. Petersfield never really threatened to score but they did get close enough to Vandals’ line to give their kicker the chance to convert any penalties they were awarded and this he duly did to take his side into what proved the winning lead. They almost stretched this lead as Vandals attempted to at-tack from deep but, having survived this, Vandals threw everything at Petersfield in a last-ditch attempt to snatch victory. They came desperately close twice as they camped feet away from the try line, but each time the referee came to the rescue of the visitors and Petersfield were able to clear their lines.